Eden Wairua-Orme Los Angeles IN

Eden WairuaOrme packed up and moved from Auckland’s North Shore to Los Angeles after scoring an internship in the music industry. The opportunity has led to work in touring logistics and artist management.

What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?

Today is my five-year anniversary of living in Los Angeles! I studied communications at AUT and was lucky enough to win a scholarship through its Internz programme – set up to help students find jobs after they graduate. I got selected to intern at Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood and have stayed here ever since.

Did it take long to settle in?

I’d say it probably took about a year to feel truly settled here. The first couple weeks were rough – my first day at work was a real culture shock and I think I was used to how friendly and forgiving most Kiwis are. Shortly after moving here, I managed to find a group of Kiwis my age and who had similar careers/interests. We clicked instantly and it took my experience to the next level.

What do you do there?

I work as the head of marketing at a record label called TAG Music. I used to manage a couple of artists, and before the pandemic I worked in touring, helping to co-ordinate the travel logistics for big tours such as iHeartRadio Jingle Ball and Madonna’s Madame X Tour. As a teenager, I dreamed about working in the music industry – so this is kind of everything I’ve ever wanted to do. I feel really lucky thinking about how my life has panned out.

What are the biggest advantages of living there?

The biggest advantage I’ve found is how much a career in entertainment or music can accelerate just by living in Los Angeles. There are so many job opportunities, a million events happening every week, and an abundance of creatives to network and build relationships with. I also thought Auckland was a melting pot of people from different cultures, but since moving to LA, I’ve met so many people – from places I’d never heard of! My understanding of the world has expanded more than I ever thought it could.

Any disadvantages?

Being away from my family is hard – you miss out on birthdays and holidays.

But the biggest disadvantage has to be: no Whittaker’s Creamy Milk or Vogel’s Extra Thin at my local supermarket …

How expensive is it compared to New Zealand?

I feel like rent, groceries and the general cost of living are relatively close to each other. My rent is high but I also earn more over here and the US dollar is stronger. But you definitely notice it being more expensive here when eating out at restaurants. Once you add a tip to the bill, you can easily end up spending NZ$100 on a meal and a couple of cocktails.

How do you spend your spare time?

Working in music, I go to a lot of concerts and I love festivals – this year will be my fourth Coachella! I love to go to flea markets with my friends and love to thrift clothes. LA also has a lot of beautiful hikes – I usually go on a hike every weekend.

What is the local delicacy and would you recommend it?

Since LA is so close to Mexico and South America, there are so many incredible taco trucks all over the place! I’ve also had some incredible fish tacos and ceviche over here. You definitely can’t leave LA without picking up a street taco.

Easiest way to get around?

Unfortunately, the easiest way to get around is probably by car or Uber/ Lyft. Some people argue that LA is not a walkable city. It can be, if you don’t have any interest or need venturing too far from your accommodation. Public transport isn’t best.

Best after-dark activity?

There are some great rooftop bars – my favourites are Mama Shelter, E.P. & L.P., and LEVEL8.

Best time of year to visit?

LA is sunny most of the year, but July through to September are the sunniest months to visit!

What are the top three things you recommend visitors check out?

You’ve got to do a hike – the classic is the Hollywood Sign hike, or I recommend hiking to Griffith Observatory (which has a view of the Hollywood sign most of the way). One of my favourite restaurants in LA is Pine & Crane in Silver Lake – they have some of the most delicious food in the city at an affordable price. You’ve got to try some of the local street food and eat it on the beach.

Expat Tales is a Stuff Travel series featuring Kiwis who have made new lives for themselves overseas. If you’d like to take part, email us at travel@stuff.co.nz

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Eden Wairua-Orme says her understanding of the world has expanded more than she ever thought. It took a year to feel settled. She works as the head of marketing at a record label. Hiking in Los Angeles is one of her must-do activities.